Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Model 727 Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 16 (Tuesday, January 25, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 4221-4224]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-464]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2010-0677; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-075-AD; 
Amendment 39-16578; AD 2011-02-05]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Model 727 Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

[[Page 4222]]


ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the 
products listed above. This AD requires inspections for scribe lines in 
the fuselage skin at skin lap joints and butt joints, the skin at 
certain external approved repairs, the skin around external features 
such as antennas, and the skin at decals and fairings; and related 
investigative and corrective actions if necessary. This AD was prompted 
by reports of scribe lines found at skin lap joints and butt joints, 
around external repairs and antennas, and at locations where external 
decals had been cut. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct 
scribe lines, which can develop into fatigue cracks in the skin and 
cause rapid decompression of the airplane.

DATES: This AD is effective March 1, 2011.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of March 1, 
2011.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management, 
P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207; telephone 206-
544-5000, extension 1; fax 206-766-5680; e-mail [email protected]; 
Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may review copies of the 
referenced service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington. For information 
on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Management Facility 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, the regulatory evaluation, 
any comments received, and other information. The address for the 
Docket Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is Document Management Facility, 
U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West 
Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., 
Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Berhane Alazar, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office 
(ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone 
(425) 917-6577; fax (425) 917-6590.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to include an airworthiness directive (AD) that would apply to 
the specified products. That NPRM published in the Federal Register on 
July 7, 2010 (75 FR 38950). That NPRM proposed to require inspections 
for scribe lines in the fuselage skin at skin lap joints and butt 
joints, the skin at certain external approved repairs, the skin around 
external features such as antennas, and the skin at decals and 
fairings; and related investigative and corrective actions if 
necessary.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. The following presents the comments received on the proposal 
and the FAA's response to each comment.

Support for the NPRM

    Boeing supports the intent of the NPRM.

Request To Revise Compliance Time

    FedEx Express (FedEx) requested that we revise the compliance time 
in paragraph (g) of the NPRM to add an additional option of ``at the 
next scheduled `C' check (30 months) from the effective date of the 
AD.'' FedEx stated that it determined that the proposed inspection 
threshold and intervals would not fit within its planned scheduled 
maintenance checks, and the requested adjustment to the compliance time 
would allow FedEx to mitigate the need to schedule special visits to 
accomplish the inspections.
    We disagree with the request to revise the compliance time. In 
developing an appropriate compliance time for this AD, we considered 
not only the safety implications, but the manufacturer's 
recommendations, the availability of required parts, and the practical 
aspect of accomplishing the modification within an interval of time 
that corresponds to typical scheduled maintenance for affected 
operators. Under the provisions of paragraph (m) of this AD, however, 
we might consider requests for adjustments to the compliance time if 
data are submitted to substantiate that such an adjustment would 
provide an acceptable level of safety. In addition, FedEx did not 
provide any technical justification for the request. We have not 
changed the final rule in regard to this issue.

Explanation of Change to This AD

    We added a new paragraph (l) to this final rule to provide 
information on the federal Paperwork Reduction Act. We have 
reidentified subsequent paragraphs accordingly.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received, 
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
the AD with the change described previously. We also determined that 
these changes will not increase the economic burden on any operator or 
increase the scope of the AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 234 airplanes of U.S. registry. 
The following table provides the estimated costs for U.S. operators to 
comply with this AD.

                                                                 Table--Estimated Costs
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                        Number of U.S.-
                      Action                           Work hours     Average labor        Parts           Cost per        registered       Fleet cost
                                                                      rate per hour                        product         airplanes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection........................................  Up to 320 hours             $85               $0    Up to $27,200              234            Up to
                                                                                                                                             $6,364,800
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs, 
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
subtitle VII,

[[Page 4223]]

part A, subpart III, section 44701: ``General requirements.'' Under 
that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight of 
civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for 
practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary 
for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that 
authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to 
exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 
13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States, 
on the relationship between the national government and the States, or 
on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various 
levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and 
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),
    (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (4) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria 
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

2011-02-05 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-16578; Docket No. FAA-
2010-0677; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-075-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This AD is effective March 1, 2011.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 727, 727C, 727-
100, 727-100C, 727-200, and 727-200F series airplanes, certificated 
in any category; as identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 727-
53A0233, dated February 19, 2010.

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53: 
Fuselage.

Unsafe Condition

    (e) This AD results from reports of scribe lines found at skin 
lap joints, butt joints, around external repairs and external 
features such as antennas, and at locations where external decals 
had been cut. The Federal Aviation Administration is issuing this AD 
to detect and correct scribe lines, which can develop into fatigue 
cracks in the skin and cause rapid decompression of the airplane.

Compliance

    (f) You are responsible for having the actions required by this 
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the 
actions have already been done.

Inspection

    (g) At the applicable times specified in paragraph 1.E., 
``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 727-53A0233, dated 
February 19, 2010, except as provided in paragraphs (h) and (i) of 
this AD, do detailed inspections for scribe lines of skin lap 
joints, skin butt joints, around external approved repairs, external 
features, and fairings, and at locations where external decals may 
have been cut, and do all applicable related investigative and 
corrective actions at the times specified in the service bulletin, 
by accomplishing all actions specified in the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 727-53A0233, dated 
February 19, 2010, except as provided by paragraph (j) of this AD.

    Note 1: The inspection exemptions noted in paragraph 1.E. of 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 727-53A0233, dated February 19, 2010, 
apply to this AD.

Exceptions to Service Bulletin Specifications

    (h) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 727-53A0233, dated 
February 19, 2010, specifies a compliance time after ``the original 
issue date on this service bulletin,'' this AD requires compliance 
within the specified compliance time after the effective date of 
this AD.
    (i) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 727-53A0233, dated 
February 19, 2010, specifies to calculate the flight-cycle time for 
an airplane ``as of the original issue date on this service 
bulletin,'' this AD requires the airplane flight-cycle time to be 
calculated as of the effective date of this AD.
    (j) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 727-53A0233, dated 
February 19, 2010, specifies to contact Boeing for appropriate 
action, accomplish applicable actions before further flight using a 
method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in 
paragraph (m) of this AD.

Report

    (k) At the applicable time specified in paragraph (k)(1) or 
(k)(2) of this AD: Submit a report of positive crack findings of the 
inspections required by paragraph (g) of this AD. Operators may use 
the reporting form contained in Appendixes B and C, as applicable, 
of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 727-53A0233, dated February 19, 
2010. Send the report to Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, 
Seattle, Washington 98124-2207. The report must contain, at a 
minimum, the inspection results, a description of any discrepancies 
found, the airplane serial number, and the number of flight cycles 
and flight hours on the airplane. Under the provisions of the 
Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), the Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information collection 
requirements contained in this AD and has assigned OMB Control 
Number 2120-0056.
    (1) If the inspection was done on or after the effective date of 
this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the inspection.
    (2) If the inspection was done before the effective date of this 
AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the effective date of 
this AD.

Paperwork Reduction Act Burden Statement

    (l) A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is 
not required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a 
penalty for failure to comply with a collection of information 
subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless 
that collection of information displays a current valid OMB Control 
Number. The OMB Control Number for this information collection is 
2120-0056. Public reporting for this collection of information is 
estimated to be approximately 5 minutes per response, including the 
time for reviewing instructions, completing and reviewing the 
collection of information. All responses to this collection of 
information are mandatory. Comments concerning the accuracy of this 
burden and suggestions for reducing the burden should be directed to 
the FAA at: 800 Independence Ave., SW., Washington, DC 20591, Attn: 
Information Collection Clearance Officer, AES-200.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (m)(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 
FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested 
using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to 
Attn: Berhane Alazar, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, 
FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue, 
SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 917-6577; fax 
(425) 917-6590. Information may be e-mailed to: [email protected].
    (2) To request a different method of compliance or a different 
compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. 
Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC 
applies, notify your principal maintenance inspector (PMI) or 
principal avionics inspector (PAI), as appropriate, or lacking a 
principal

[[Page 4224]]

inspector, your local Flight Standards District Office. The AMOC 
approval letter must specifically reference this AD.
    (3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used for any repair required by this AD if it is approved by the 
Boeing Commercial Airplanes Organization Designation Authorization 
(ODA) that has been authorized by the Manager, Seattle ACO to make 
those findings. For a repair method to be approved, the repair must 
meet the certification basis of the airplane, and the approval must 
specifically refer to this AD.

Related Information

    (n) For more information about this AD, contact Berhane Alazar, 
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle ACO, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone 
(425) 917-6577; fax (425) 917-6590. Information may be e-mailed to: 
[email protected].

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (o) You must use Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 727-53A0233, 
dated February 19, 2010, to do the actions required by this AD, 
unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 727-
53A0233, dated February 19, 2010, under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR 
part 51.
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management, 
P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207; telephone 
206-544-5000, extension 1; fax 206-766-5680; e-mail 
[email protected]; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com.
    (3) You may review copies of the service information at the FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington. For information on the availability of this material at 
the FAA, call 425-227-1221.
    (4) You may also review copies of the service information that 
is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records 
Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this 
material at an NARA facility, call 202-741-6030, or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 5, 2011.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2011-464 Filed 1-24-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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